Mantra Group today announced it has entered into an agreement with the Deague Group to acquire the Australian-owned Art Series Hotel Group for approximately $52.5 million (excluding transaction costs), subject to customary completion conditions.

After being approached by Mantra, Art Series Hotels founder, the Deague Group, engaged Resort Brokers exclusively to negotiate the off-market deal because of the agency’s specialist expertise in accommodation leasehold businesses and management rights.

The sale was handled by Resort Brokers’ agents Trudy Crooks and Tim Crooks.

The acquisition will see seven luxury hotels (representing more than 1,000 guest rooms and including a number of conference and event facilities, restaurants and luxury hotel-style amenities) added to Mantra Group's ever-expanding portfolio of 128 properties and more than 21,500 rooms in properties under management across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Hawaii.

The seven hotels are:

1. The Cullen, Prahran, Melbourne VIC
2. The Larwill Studio, North Melbourne VIC
3. The Olsen, South Yarra, Melbourne VIC
4. The Blackman, St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC
5. The Chen, Box Hill, Melbourne VIC (which is currently in the final stages of construction and is set to open in November 2017)
6. The Johnson, Spring Hill, Brisbane QLD
7. The Watson, Walkerville, Adelaide SA

Each hotel is inspired and dedicated to Australian contemporary artists, infusing the namesake artist's works and personality throughout the hotel to create unique art-inspired experiences.

It will see seven luxury hotels (more than 1,000 guest rooms plus a number of conference and event facilities, restaurants and luxury hotel-style amenities) added to ASX-listed Mantra Group's existing portfolio of 128 properties under management across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Hawaii.

 “It has been gratifying to play a key role in what is an historic event in Australia’s changing and growing accommodation landscape – the passing of one premium hotel brand to another home-grown hotels success story,” Tim Crooks said.

Trudy Crooks hailed the innovative success story the Deague Group began when they opened their first Art Series Hotel, The Cullen, in 2009.

“Art Series Hotels, thanks to the drive and creativity of the Deague family, has grown into a very influential, high profile brand showcasing Australia’s finest contemporary artists.

“That revered brand will be retained by Mantra Group which, now with 135 properties, is our largest Australian-owned and locally-based hotel operator,” Ms Crooks said.

The Art Series acquisition by Mantra is expected to settle in late 2017, he said.

Recognising the strength of the brand in the market, each business will continue to operate under the Art Series brand.

These boutique properties are well suited to both leisure and corporate travellers and are located in some of Australia's hottest art and cultural hubs, most of which Mantra Group already has a long-standing and high performing presence.

Mantra Group Chief Executive Officer Bob East said the deal represents a sizeable addition to Mantra Group's already expansive Australian portfolio.

"This acquisition enhances our existing portfolio and presents a unique opportunity for Mantra Group to increase its footprint across three key locations (Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide) in a single transaction." said Mr East.

"This is a rare opportunity to acquire a collection of exceptional hotels and one which is expected to make a significant contribution to Mantra Group's business."

"These hotels have been operated to the highest standards by a passionate and dedicated team, and we are delighted to welcome such iconic and favoured properties to our growing network of hotels and resorts."

"We look forward to working with the owners, team members and guests to ensure a smooth transition."

Settlement of the Art Series Acquisition is expected to be completed in late 2017, subject to closing conditions customary for an acquisition of this nature.

About Arts Series Hotel Group
Arts Series Hotel Group transformed the Australian hotel market when it launched in 2009. Inspired by and dedicated to Australian contemporary artists, each hotel takes design inspiration from the namesake artist. With original artworks and prints adorning the walls and halls, the multifaceted art inspired experience is complete with dedicated art channels, art libraries, art tours and art utensils on supply. Glass bottomed pools, private outdoor decking areas, state of the art gymnasiums, massive communal spaces and boutique conference and events spaces complete the picture.

About Mantra Group
Mantra Group is the leading Australian-based hotel and resort operator.  Mantra Group's portfolio consists of 128 properties with more than 21,500 rooms in properties under management, across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Hawaii.Operating three well-known and trusted brands – Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree - MantraGroup operates the second largest network of accommodation properties in Australia (by room number). The Group is positioned to offer both leisure and business style accommodation ranging from full-service city hotels and self-contained apartments to luxury resorts and retreats. The Group successfully listed on the ASX in June 2014 and in its first year as a public company was elevated to the ASX 200.

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